FULL NAMES:
STUDENT NUMBER:
UNIQUE NUMBER: 831117
MODULE CODE: ENG1516
MODULE NAME: APPLIED ENGLISH LITERATURE
FOUNDATION PHASE FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
ASSIGNMENT: 02
YEAR MODULE 2025
, QUESTION 1
1.1. Briefly explain three functions of illustrations in picture storybooks.
Illustrations in picture storybooks serve important roles that go beyond making a book
look attractive. First, they support the meaning of the text and help young readers
understand what is happening in the story, especially those who are still learning how to
read. These visuals guide children to make sense of the plot, characters, and setting,
helping them follow the narrative without needing to decode every word. Second,
illustrations play a role in developing emotions and mood. Through colours, shapes, and
facial expressions, they convey how characters are feeling, which helps readers
connect with the story on a deeper level. For instance, if a character is scared, like
Tshedza in AAAAAHHH! Mmawe!, the illustration might show wide eyes or a stiff
posture to show that emotion. Third, illustrations encourage imagination. They introduce
learners to people, animals, and places they may have never seen in real life. This
makes stories more exciting and expands the child’s understanding of the world. So,
illustrations act as a bridge between the reader and the story, offering understanding,
emotional connection, and inspiration (Evans et al., 2017:75; Tutorial Letter 501,
2020:55–56).
1.2. Give two reasons why an educator should teach learners to interpret visuals.
Teaching learners to interpret visuals is a critical part of literacy education, especially in
the Foundation Phase where learners are still developing their language skills. One
strong reason is that visuals help learners make sense of texts by filling in the gaps
where words might be difficult or unfamiliar. Many children understand pictures before
they understand written language, so being able to read visuals helps them follow the
story and feel successful as readers. Another important reason is that interpreting
images strengthens critical thinking. When children learn to look carefully at an image—
to notice expressions, actions, colours, or perspective—they learn how to form their own
ideas and predictions. This is a skill that goes beyond storybooks and helps them
engage with posters, cartoons, and even television in thoughtful ways. Teaching visual
literacy prepares learners to participate in a world filled with images and gives them
tools to read beyond just the words (Tutorial Letter 501, 2020:66).
STUDENT NUMBER:
UNIQUE NUMBER: 831117
MODULE CODE: ENG1516
MODULE NAME: APPLIED ENGLISH LITERATURE
FOUNDATION PHASE FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
ASSIGNMENT: 02
YEAR MODULE 2025
, QUESTION 1
1.1. Briefly explain three functions of illustrations in picture storybooks.
Illustrations in picture storybooks serve important roles that go beyond making a book
look attractive. First, they support the meaning of the text and help young readers
understand what is happening in the story, especially those who are still learning how to
read. These visuals guide children to make sense of the plot, characters, and setting,
helping them follow the narrative without needing to decode every word. Second,
illustrations play a role in developing emotions and mood. Through colours, shapes, and
facial expressions, they convey how characters are feeling, which helps readers
connect with the story on a deeper level. For instance, if a character is scared, like
Tshedza in AAAAAHHH! Mmawe!, the illustration might show wide eyes or a stiff
posture to show that emotion. Third, illustrations encourage imagination. They introduce
learners to people, animals, and places they may have never seen in real life. This
makes stories more exciting and expands the child’s understanding of the world. So,
illustrations act as a bridge between the reader and the story, offering understanding,
emotional connection, and inspiration (Evans et al., 2017:75; Tutorial Letter 501,
2020:55–56).
1.2. Give two reasons why an educator should teach learners to interpret visuals.
Teaching learners to interpret visuals is a critical part of literacy education, especially in
the Foundation Phase where learners are still developing their language skills. One
strong reason is that visuals help learners make sense of texts by filling in the gaps
where words might be difficult or unfamiliar. Many children understand pictures before
they understand written language, so being able to read visuals helps them follow the
story and feel successful as readers. Another important reason is that interpreting
images strengthens critical thinking. When children learn to look carefully at an image—
to notice expressions, actions, colours, or perspective—they learn how to form their own
ideas and predictions. This is a skill that goes beyond storybooks and helps them
engage with posters, cartoons, and even television in thoughtful ways. Teaching visual
literacy prepares learners to participate in a world filled with images and gives them
tools to read beyond just the words (Tutorial Letter 501, 2020:66).
